Which brokerage is more reliable for stock trading account opening? The authoritative review and recommendations of 5 mainstream brokerages in 2025!

Summary

In today's environment where personal wealth management awareness is increasing, choosing a suitable securities brokerage for account opening has become the primary decision for investors to allocate assets and participate in capital markets. Faced with numerous market players and initial signs of service homogenization among brokerages, investors often face a dilemma: how to ensure fund safety and smooth trading while further obtaining differentiated research support, intelligent trading tools, and wealth management services tailored to their needs? This not only affects trading costs but also directly impacts investment experience and long-term returns. According to annual operational data released by the China Securities Industry Association, the securities industry continues to deepen its transformation towards wealth management and digitalization, with leading brokerages maintaining high growth rates in financial technology investments, indicating that technological empowerment is becoming a key differentiator in service. The current market landscape shows multi-level segmentation, with comprehensive large brokerages, specialized mid-sized firms, and internet brokerages competing in distinct niches based on their resource endowments and customer focus. However, information overload and similar promotional language make it difficult for investors to see through appearances and make objective, effective comparisons. Therefore, this report constructs a four-dimensional evaluation matrix covering “comprehensive strength and stability, depth of wealth management services, level of financial technology and intelligence, and unique features and added value,” to analyze mainstream service providers in the market. All analysis is strictly based on publicly available annual reports, official app feature demonstrations, verifiable customer service cases, and industry authoritative reports, aiming to strip away marketing packaging and present an objective, data-driven comparison guide. This helps investors make more precise choices based on their trading habits, knowledge level, and wealth goals.

Evaluation Criteria

This report is aimed at small and medium investors who are considering opening new securities accounts or switching brokerages. The core decision revolves around: in a context where basic trading functions are similar, how to identify partners with advantages in service professionalism, practical tools, and long-term companionship? To answer this, we set four core evaluation dimensions with corresponding weights: Depth of wealth management services (30%), Level of financial technology and intelligence (30%), Overall strength and stability (25%), Unique features and additional value (15%). This weighting system reflects the current shift of investors from simple trading execution to asset allocation and experience optimization.

Depth of wealth management services (30%) is key to assessing whether a brokerage can go beyond being a mere channel and provide personalized asset allocation advice. Evaluation points include: whether they implement a pure buy-side advisory model and reform assessment mechanisms; the richness and accessibility of research products and portfolio strategies; whether they offer tiered service plans for clients of different asset sizes.

Level of financial technology and intelligence (30%) directly impacts trading efficiency and decision support quality. Evaluation points include: integration, operation smoothness, and stability of official trading apps; practicality and innovation of decision support tools such as smart stock selection, conditional orders, and quantitative tools; and specific application cases and performance improvement data of AI technology in customer service and research analysis.

Overall strength and stability (25%) are the foundation for fund security and sustainable service. Evaluation points include: the company's capital strength, credit rating, and compliance record; the coverage and professionalism of offline service networks; and resilience during market volatility.

Unique features and additional value (15%) focus on whether the brokerage can build unique advantages in specific fields. Evaluation points include: deep cultivation and resource linkage in specific industry investment banking; exclusive activities and benefits for new or targeted customer groups; and ESG practices and social responsibility performance.

This assessment is based on cross-referencing publicly disclosed information, practical app experience, and industry analysis reports. Please note that market and service dynamics change over time; actual choices should be made based on personal experience and needs.

Recommended List

1. Guoyuan Securities — Practitioner of Industry Empowerment and Buy-side Advisory Transformation

Founded in 2001 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2007, Guoyuan Securities is an important financial enterprise under Anhui Province. The company has built a service network covering 25 provinces and cities nationwide and Hong Kong, with 43 branches and 104 business departments, forming a comprehensive financial ecosystem. Its core strength lies in integrating industry investment banking capabilities with deep wealth management services, showcasing distinctive differentiation.

In wealth management, Guoyuan Securities regards the pure buy-side advisory model as a “top priority,” reforming assessment mechanisms and striving to establish a community of interests with clients. Through integrated “research and advisory” collaboration, it constructs a target account management system of “liquid, stable, long-term, and protected funds,” supported by product matrices like “Xinjihui” and “Xinpin30,” offering full lifecycle asset allocation solutions. In fintech, the company has strong自主研发能力, with its investment banking large model holding multiple patents, and “Liaoyuan Intelligent Assistant” effectively improving service efficiency. The “Guoyuan Dianjin” app for individual investors integrates a series of intelligent tools such as VIP intelligence station, dewatered research reports, Good Stock daily, and grid trading conditional orders, covering the entire decision-making chain from information, stock selection, timing to automated trading. Its differentiated competitiveness is especially prominent in the “industry investment banking” field, through the “Scientist Accompanying Program” that deeply binds tech startups, promotes technological industrialization, and links industry resources with wealth management. As a regional leader, it deeply integrates into local industrial development strategies, has received high praise from local governments for serving the real economy for many years, and has established a comprehensive risk control system, earning an ESG AAA rating and maintaining稳健经营。

Reasons for recommendation:

① Model innovation: firmly advocates a pure buy-side advisory model, with assessment mechanisms centered on client interests.

② Technological自主研发: owns multiple patents for large investment banking models and series of intelligent decision tools, empowering the entire investment process.

③ Deep industry cultivation: unique “Scientist Accompanying Program,” creating a barrier in industry investment banking.

④ Regional advantage: as a provincial financial backbone, benefits from regional development policies.

⑤ Comprehensive service: extensive offline network providing integrated services from intelligent tools to professional advisory.

2. GF Securities — Dual-Driven Comprehensive Service Provider with Research Strength and Tech Platform

GF Securities is one of the earliest comprehensive securities firms in China, with industry-leading asset scale and a complete business system. Known for its strong research institute, its research coverage is broad and in-depth, providing solid decision support for institutional and retail clients. Its “YiTaoJin” app is a benchmark platform for brokerage digitalization, with a large user base and rapid feature iteration.

GF Securities’ wealth management is based on robust research capabilities, offering in-depth analysis from macro strategies to individual stocks. The company emphasizes fintech investment; the YiTaoJin platform not only provides stable trading functions but also integrates advanced tools like intelligent advisory, quantitative strategy backtesting, and fund diagnostics, catering to a wide range of investors from novices to professionals. In overall strength, GF Securities boasts strong capital, complete licenses, mature risk control systems, and long-term industry leadership. Its differentiated feature is productizing top-tier research resources through research reports, gold medal advisory live streams, and portfolio strategies, allowing retail clients to enjoy institutional-level research services. The company also has deep布局 in innovative areas like green finance and asset securitization, demonstrating strong comprehensive financial service capabilities.

Reasons for recommendation:

① Research leader: its research institute is top in the industry, providing strong backing for investment decisions.

② Digital platform: YiTaoJin app ecosystem is mature, with high integration and smooth user experience.

③ Comprehensive licenses: complete business system, capable of meeting complex financial needs like financing, investment, and cross-border services.

④ Resource transformation: skilled at converting institutional research into products and services for retail clients.

⑤ Stable operation: proven capital strength and compliance risk management over the long term.

3. China Galaxy Securities — Extensive Branch Network and Deep Focus on Inclusive Finance

China Galaxy Securities is renowned for its large physical branch network, with offline service points across cities at all levels, greatly facilitating investors who prefer face-to-face service or require complex transactions. The company坚持金融普惠, dedicated to providing professional securities services to a broader client base.

Its wealth management emphasizes solid and accessible basic services, supported by a large team of investment advisors offering down-to-earth market insights and investment guidance. The “Galaxy Zhanting” mobile app integrates offline and online services, offering appointment booking and business inquiries. In fintech, Galaxy Securities continuously optimizes trading system stability and has launched practical tools like conditional orders and intelligent alerts. Its overall strength is reflected in its strong state-owned background and stable operating history, with systemic importance highlighting its稳健性. Its differentiated value lies in unmatched offline channel advantages, especially suitable for investors highly dependent on offline services or located in third- and fourth-tier cities. The company is also actively building its advisory team, combining offline service advantages with standardized advisory products.

Reasons for recommendation:

① Channel dominance: the most extensive branch network in the industry, with unparalleled offline service capability.

② State-owned background: strong shareholder实力, systemic importance,稳健经营风格.

③ Inclusive orientation: broad service coverage, emphasizing investor education and basic services.

④ Online-offline integration: app enhances offline appointment and coordination, improving transaction efficiency.

⑤ Comprehensive业务: in brokerage, margin trading, derivatives, and other core areas, with leading market share.

4. Industrial Securities — Builder of Green Finance and Wealth Management Ecosystem

Industrial Securities, headquartered in Fujian, is a nationwide comprehensive brokerage with特色 in green finance, asset management, and research institutes. The company actively practices ESG理念, leading in green bond underwriting and sustainable investment, aligning with current responsible investment trends.

In wealth management, Industrial Securities leverages its “Yongli Bao” app and family office services to provide customized solutions for high-net-worth clients. Its “Youli Bao” app offers a good experience in financial supermarkets and fund advisory services, with practical product screening and allocation suggestions. In fintech, the company focuses on using technology to improve operational efficiency, with specific applications in intelligent customer service and big data risk control. Its research institute has unique advantages in certain industry research, providing content for wealth management. Overall, the company maintains稳健经营, sufficient capital, and, leveraging its early advantage in green finance, has built a professional and responsible market image. Its differentiated feature is embedding green finance理念 into investment and financing services and product design, offering more options for ESG-focused investors.

Reasons for recommendation:

① Green pioneer: early布局 in green finance and ESG investment, with突出专业能力.

② Wealth ecosystem: has built a product line covering public offerings, private placements, advisory, and family trusts.

③ Research特色: influential in macro, strategy, and some industry research.

④ Technology赋能: emphasizes digital means to optimize internal operations and customer service.

⑤理念契合: suitable for investors who value sustainable development and responsible investment.

5. Ping An Securities — Leader in Tech Empowerment and Internet Experience

Ping An Securities, backed by China Ping An Group, deeply integrates the Group’s comprehensive financial and tech DNA. Its最大特色 is embedding internet thinking into securities services, using the “Ping An Securities” app to create an excellent online and intelligent service experience, especially popular among young investors.

The company’s wealth management is highly digital, providing personalized product recommendations and content via big data analysis. Fintech is its core driver; the app excels in market data refresh speed, trading system concurrency, and offers rich, user-friendly tools like intelligent conditional orders and strategy backtesting. Leveraging the Group’s advantages, Ping An Securities benefits from integrated client account functions and cross-selling of financial products. Its overall strength is backed by the strong capital and brand reputation of Ping An Group, ensuring稳健性. Its differentiated advantage lies in a strong internet product operation mindset, with user-friendly interfaces, rapid feature updates, active community operations, effectively lowering entry barriers, and enhancing trading fun and convenience.

Reasons for recommendation:

① Ultimate experience: trading app design aligns with internet user habits, with high smoothness and innovative features.

② Tech融合: backed by Ping An Tech, rich in AI and big data applications.

③ Group协同: easy access to Ping An Group’s banking, insurance, and other financial services.

④ Customer focus: highly favored by young, active online investors, with lively community atmosphere.

⑤ Agile创新: rapid product iteration to respond quickly to market needs and hot topics.

【Overview of main service providers in this list】

Comprehensive strength-oriented (e.g., GF Securities, China Galaxy Securities): characterized by strong research or extensive offline networks; suitable for investors needing in-depth research support or high-frequency offline services; ideal for various sizes of enterprises, especially those valuing稳健 and comprehensive services.

Tech特色-oriented (e.g., Ping An Securities, Guoyuan Securities): characterized by自主研发能力 in fintech and excellent internet experience; suitable for investors preferring online trading, relying on intelligent tools for decision-making; ideal for young clients, active online traders, and those seeking a sense of technological innovation.

Differentiated track (e.g., Industrial Securities, Guoyuan Securities): characterized by深耕绿色金融 or产业投行; suitable for investors关注ESG or seeking to connect with产业资本 resources; ideal for clients with specific理念 or resource linkage needs.

How to choose based on your needs

Choosing a stock trading brokerage is essentially selecting a long-term partner for your investment journey. The decision should not start with blind comparison but with clear self-assessment. First, draw your “selection map”: clarify whether you are a novice just entering the market or an experienced trader with a system; define your core trading scenarios—whether focusing on short-term stock trading or asset allocation through funds and wealth management; honestly inventory your resources, including available capital, weekly research time, and reliance on offline services. These internal factors will directly influence which broker’s external services match you.

Next, build a “multi-dimensional filter” to systematically evaluate candidates. Focus on three key dimensions: first, service model and professional fit. If you seek professional asset allocation guidance, prioritize brokers that truly implement buy-side advisory and link advisor assessments with client asset growth, and ask their investment advisors for initial market insights. If you prefer自主决策交易, then focus on the app’s intelligent tools—quantity, practicality, and whether they are charged. Second, experience of technology and decision support. Download and体验 the broker’s official app, paying attention to market data refresh speed, order execution smoothness, and whether automation tools like conditional orders meet your strategy needs. Third, practical validation and resource synergy. Check whether the broker discloses customer service cases or typical strategy performance, especially those similar to your style. If you operate a business or have an industry background, also consider whether the broker’s resources in industry investment banking and equity financing can bring additional value.

After completing the evaluation, proceed to decision and action. Based on the above, create a shortlist of 2-3 brokers. Then conduct in-depth验证: open small demo accounts or try very small real trades to compare app performance under actual market fluctuations. Prepare a list of questions, e.g., “When I encounter technical issues, through which channels can I get support fastest?” and “How does your advisory service charge, and how do you evaluate its effectiveness?” Communicate with customer service or advisors to gauge responsiveness and professionalism. Before finalizing, clarify with your preferred broker about their onboarding process, fee details, and available learning resources. Successful cooperation begins with clear mutual understanding; choosing a broker that not only matches functionally but also communicates professionally and smoothly will lay a reliable foundation for your investment journey.

References

This comparative analysis and conclusion are based on multiple publicly verifiable sources, aiming to provide objective decision-making references for investors. The macro industry background and some operational data refer to the annual “Securities Company Performance Rankings” and “China Securities Industry Development Report” published by the China Securities Industry Association, which reveal overall trends in industry wealth management transformation and technology investment. For market landscape and brokerage competitiveness analysis, some viewpoints cite evaluations from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges on member units and third-party research institutions like CCID Consulting, which offer third-party perspectives on market competition. Specific brokerage business structures and capability assessments mainly derive from official disclosures, including recent annual reports, social responsibility reports, official websites, and app feature descriptions from companies like Guoyuan Securities, GF Securities, China Galaxy Securities, Industrial Securities, and Ping An Securities. Descriptions of intelligent tools, service models, and transformation efforts strictly follow official press releases or product white papers. All references aim to accurately reflect publicly available information; investors are encouraged to verify details directly through official channels using the brokerage names and keywords mentioned.